Jacob Andrew Thielan

Sunday

Jan 26, 2014 at 6:00 AM

Jacob Andrew Thielan, age 79, passed away on Jan. 22, 2014, at home, surrounded by love. He was born on Feb. 16, 1936, in Adrian, Mich., at the family home on Finch Street, to George Herschel Thielan Sr. and Clara Loya (Miller) Thielan. He married Virginia (Brown) Thielan on Oct. 30, 1953, in Angola, Ind., and she survives. They celebrated 60 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Benjamin J. Thielan, Glendora E. Newcomb, Elaine A. Gira, and George Herschel Thielan, Jr. He is survived by his children, Donna J. Snyder of Reading, Theresa A. Thielan of Ann Arbor, and Dale Andrew Thielan of Adrian; four granddaughters, Jenna C. Bigornia (Sherman) of Boston, Mass., Carley M. Phipps of Somerville, Mass.; Emily T. Bradley (Jesse) of Royal Oak; and Lt. Elana S. Phipps, USN of Jacksonville, Fla.; and great-grandchildren, Madeleine Hope Bradley, Jacob Leslie Bradley and Xavier Andrew Bigornia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Andy attended Sand Creek schools, graduating in 1952. Serving as class president, he was proud to attend his 60th high school reunion and continued to keep in touch with his classmates throughout the years. He had a love of basketball and sported “00” on his jersey. He raised champion steers on the family farm located north of Sand Creek and won Reserve Grand Champion Holstein Steer at the State level for FFA. Cob and Grant “Swifty” could often be found racing the back roads around Sand Creek when he wasn’t at work at the farm.

Upon graduation from high school, he joined the US Marines, serving at Cherry Point, N.C., during the Korean Conflict. He and his brothers were all U. S. Marines who proudly served their country. Andy worked for Tony’s Bakery in Adrian, delivering bread and baked goods. Along with working on the family farms, he became a skilled machinist at Martin Marietta and retired from Oliver Instrument in 1999.

He loved to garden, and growing hot peppers was his specialty! The birds never went hungry at his feeders, and the cardinals came to celebrate his life during his last days. He enjoyed the view of the River Raisin and beyond and the wildlife that came to visit.

At Andy’s request, cremation has taken place and a remembrance of his life will take place at his home at a later date. Special thanks to all the staff who took part in his care from Great Lakes Caring and Hospice, ProMedica Bixby Hospital and his physicians. Thanks to the Rev. Lloyd Jewett for your words of comfort and prayers. Donations in memory of Andy may go to Hospice of Lenawee.

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